Drosera Species Research Articles

Plant Regeneration from Leaf Explants of Drosera Species

Plant Regeneration from Leaf Explants of Drosera Species

Molecular Characterisation of Some Carnivorous Plants Using RAPD Markers

In the present study we use 23 RAPD decamers to characterise 12 carnivorous plants species included in four different genera with the main goal to analyze the intra and inter relationships at DNA molecular level. RAPD analysis was a valuable tool for molecular characterisation of the carnivorous plants. Primers of OPB, OPA, OPE, AB, OPAL series generated the many bands (12-19) in the range of 200-1500 bp, with high level of polymorphism (77.7- 100%). The UPGMA dendrogram built using TreeView software, based on the genetic relationships between carnivorous plants, confirmed the high level of variability existing among Drosera species although between some analyzed species was not observed evident differences on the leaf morphology, prey capture system and plant height. RAPD assays showed that Sarracenia purpurea and Nepenthes northiana were clustered more closely than Dionea muscipula .

Phytochemistry of the Carnivorous Sundew Genus Drosera (Droseraceae) – Future Perspectives and Ethnopharmacological Relevance

Species of the carnivorous genus Drosera L. have long been a source of valuable natural products. The various phytochemicals characteristic of these species, particularly 1,4-naphthoquinones and flavonoids, have contributed to the diverse utilization of sundews in traditional medicine systems worldwide. A growing number of studies have sought to investigate the comparative phytochemistry of Drosera species for improved sources of pharmaceutically important compounds. The outcomes of these studies are here collated, with emergent trends discussed in detail. Important factors which affect production of secondary metabolites in plants are critically examined, such as environmental influences and in vitro culture, and recommendations subsequently presented based on this. Explicitly, the current review aims to i) present an updated, comprehensive listing of the phytochemical constituents of the genus (including quantitative data where available), ii) summarize important factors which may influence the production of phytopharmaceuticals in plants, and iii) recommend guidelines for future research based on the above, including improved standardization and quality control. We have also included a section discussing future perspectives of research on Drosera spp. based on three different research lines i) the potential to produce much needed lead compounds for treatment of tuberculosis, ii) the potential role of anthocyanins in nitrogen transport, and iii) research into 'Natural Deep Eutectic' solvents produced by Drosera spp. in the droplets or 'dew' employed to capture insect prey.

LC–NMR, NMR, and LC–MS identification and LC–DAD quantification of flavonoids and ellagic acid derivatives in Drosera peltata

The herb of Drosera peltata, commonly named the shield sundew, is used as an antitussive in phytotherapy, although the plants' composition has not been determined in detail so far. Hence, in this study, we present a validated, sensitive, reliable, and cheap narrow-bore LC-DAD method for the simultaneous quantification of flavonoids and ellagic acid derivatives in this herbal drug. In addition, the structures of 13 compounds have been elucidated by LC-MS, LC-NMR, and offline NMR experiments after isolation: herbacetin-3-O-glucoside (1), gossypitrin (2), ellagic acid (3), quercetin-7-O-glucoside (4), isoquercitrin (5), kaempferol-3-O-(6″-O-galloyl)-glucoside (6), herbacetin-7-O-glucoside (7), astragalin (8), gossypetin (9), herbacetin (10), quercetin (11), 3,3'-di-O-methyl ellagic acid (12), and kaempferol (13). Compounds 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10 have been identified in D. peltata for the first time, and compounds 1, 4, 6, 7, and 10 have not been detected in any Drosera species before.

Anticancer activity of Drosera indica L., on Dalton and #8217;s Lymphoma Ascites (DLA) bearing mice

Aim: Drosera species are used as vital components in an Ayurvedic preparation called ‘Swarnabhasma’ (Golden ash) are used for the treatment of different diseases like bronchial asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, nervous disorders In the present study was carried out to evaluate the antitumor potentials against Dalton’s lymphoma ascites (DLA)-induced tumor. Material and Method: The ethanol and aqueous extract of Drosera indica L., was given orally to mice at the dose of 250, 500 mg/kg body weight for 14 days to DLA bearing mice (4 Groups n=10) and 20mg/kg of 5-Fluorouracil (1 group as standard). Result: Treatment caused significant reduction in body weight, packed cell volume (PCV) and viable tumor cell count when compared to the mice of the DLA control group. Restoration of hematological parameters towards normal was also observed. The dose at 250,500mg/kg of ethanol extracts and 500mg/kg of aqueous extract showed significant (p

Drosera capensis (Droseraceae), a new naturalised record for Australia

Drosera capensis L. (Droseraceae) is reported as a naturalised new record for Australia, occurring in the Central Coast bioregion of New South Wales. Although the full extent of the distribution of this species is not known, it is currently thought to be isolated to a small creek-side community within the Royal National Park, New South Wales, south of Sydney. The full extent of the invasion is being evaluated and control measures are being enacted to eradicate the known population within the park. A key to the species of Drosera occurring in New South Wales, amendments to the key to species occurring in Australia, together with a description of D. capensis, are provided.

Coproduction and Ecological Significance of Naphthoquinones in Carnivorous Sundews (Drosera)

While the 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives 7-methyljuglone (1) and plumbagin (2) possess a diverse and well documented array of biological activities, relatively little remains known about the functional significance of these compounds in planta and, in particular, their possible relation to carnivorous syndromes. In addition, the chemotaxonomic distribution of naphthoquinones (NQs) amongst species of Drosera L. is of phytopharmaceutical interest. Following the quantitative assessment of interspecific variation of 1 and 2 in 13 species and cultivars of Drosera, our findings demonstrate that these NQs are ubiquitously coproduced in, generally, species-specific ratios, and that 1 appears negatively associated with the occurrence of pigmentation in sundews. The prospective antifeedant function of 1 was evaluated in relation to allocation in various organs and ontogenetic phases of D. capensis L., revealing that significantly higher levels were accumulated in young and reproductive organs, most likely for defensive purposes. Investigation into the relationship between the biosynthesis of NQs and carnivory showed that production of 1 is optimally induced and localized in leaves in response to capture of insect prey. As a whole, these findings reveal the clear importance of this secondary metabolite in ecological interactions as well as holding implication for future bioactivity studies on the genus.

Molecular and Functional Evolution of Class I Chitinases for Plant Carnivory in the Caryophyllales

Proteins produced by the large and diverse chitinase gene family are involved in the hydrolyzation of glycosidic bonds in chitin, a polymer of N-acetylglucosamines. In flowering plants, class I chitinases are important pathogenesis-related proteins, functioning in the determent of herbivory and pathogen attack by acting on insect exoskeletons and fungal cell walls. Within the carnivorous plants, two subclasses of class I chitinases have been identified to play a role in the digestion of prey. Members of these two subclasses, depending on the presence or absence of a C-terminal extension, can be secreted from specialized digestive glands found within the morphologically diverse traps that develop from carnivorous plant leaves. The degree of homology among carnivorous plant class I chitinases and the method by which these enzymes have been adapted for the carnivorous habit has yet to be elucidated. This study focuses on understanding the evolution of carnivory and chitinase genes in one of the major groups of plants that has evolved the carnivorous habit: the Caryophyllales. We recover novel class I chitinase homologs from species of genera Ancistrocladus, Dionaea, Drosera, Nepenthes, and Triphyophyllum, while also confirming the presence of two subclasses of class I chitinases based upon sequence homology and phylogenetic affinity to class I chitinases available from sequenced angiosperm genomes. We further detect residues under positive selection and reveal substitutions specific to carnivorous plant class I chitinases. These substitutions may confer functional differences as indicated by protein structure homology modeling.

A Rapid and Efficient Method for Isolating High Quality DNA from Leaves of Carnivorous Plants from the Drosera Genus

Drosera rotundifolia, Drosera capensis, and Drosera regia are carnivorous plants of the sundew family, characterized by the presence of stalked and sticky glands on the upper leaf surface, to attract, trap, and digest insects. These plants contain exceptionally high amounts of polysaccharides, polyphenols, and other secondary metabolites that interfere with DNA isolation and subsequent enzymatic reactions such as PCR amplification. We present here a protocol for quick isolation of Drosera DNA with high yield and a high level of purity, by combining a borate extraction buffer with a commercial DNA extraction kit, and a proteinase K treatment during extraction. The yield of genomic DNA is from 13.36 μg/g of fresh weight to 35.29 μg/g depending of the species of Drosera, with a A₂₆₀/A₂₈₀ ratio of 1.43-1.92. Moreover, the procedure is quick and can be completed in 2.5 h.

<p class="HeadingRunIn"><strong><em>Drosera quartzicola</em> (Droseraceae), a new and threatened species from the Serra do Cipó, Brazil</strong></p>

Drosera quartzicola (Droseraceae), a new species from the Serra do Cipo highlands, Minas Gerais state, southeastern Brazil, is described here. The morphological characters that distinguish it from similar Drosera species are discussed, together with habitat information, detailed illustrations, and its conservation status. A key to the Drosera species of the Serra do Cipo is provided.

SCREENING AND ISOLATING AN ANTIOXIDANT FROM IN VITRO DROSERA INDICA L. EXTRACT

Extracts from Drosera species have been published as therapeutics, especially as antioxidants. In this research, quercetin was screened and isolated for antioxidant properties from D. indica L. in vitro plantlets. Its structure has been elucidated on the basic of its spectral data mainly, 1H-, 13C-NMR, DEPT and COSY, HSQC, HMBC. HPLC also has been applied for quantitative analysis of quercetin.

Unusual aspects of phytocenology of Drosera rotundifolia L. (Droseraceae Salisb.) in Central Russia

Common sundew (Drosera rotundifolia L.) is an insectivorous plant in the Droseraceae family. Drosera is the largest genus of this family, containing more than 90 species. Representatives of this genus are found in almost all climatic belts of both hemispheres. Most species of Drosera are located in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa (Lloyd 1942; Denisova 1981).

Do we have any evidence that any plants have given up carnivory?

This might have happened several times during the evolution of the carnivorous groups that we know today. We can even observe partial or total loss of carnivorous traits in some well-known carnivorous plant groups today: Drosera caduca for example produces non-carnivorous leaves when adult (consisting only of an elongated petiole, without a carnivorous lamina anymore), and bears carnivorous glandular leaves only in the juvenile stage and shortly after regrowing from dormancy. Drosera schizandra, a species of rainforest floors, bears only a very sparse cover of carnivorous glands, and the mucilage is easily washed away, and not continuously replaced as in most other Drosera species. This species could be considered on the way to becoming a “post-CP” in adaptation to its habitat.

Identification and quantification of flavonoids and ellagic acid derivatives in therapeutically important Drosera species by LC–DAD, LC–NMR, NMR, and LC–MS

Droserae herba is a drug commonly used for treatment of convulsive or whooping cough since the seventeenth century. Because of the contribution of flavonoids and ellagic acid derivatives to the therapeutic activity of Droserae herba, an LC-DAD method has been developed for quantification of these analytes in four Drosera species used in medicine (Drosera anglica, D. intermedia, D. madagascariensis, and D. rotundifolia). During elaboration of the method 13 compounds, including three substances not previously described for Drosera species, were detected and unambiguously identified by means of extensive LC-MS and LC-NMR experiments and by off-line heteronuclear 2D NMR after targeted isolation. The most prominent component of D. rotundifolia and D. anglica, 2″-O-galloylhyperoside, with myricetin-3-O-β-glucopyranoside and kaempferol-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl)-β-galactopyranoside, were identified for the very first time in this genus. The LC-DAD method for quantification was thoroughly validated, and enables, for the first time, separation and precise analysis of these analytes in Droserae herba. Simple sample preparation and use of a narrow-bore column guarantee low cost and simplicity of the suggested system, which is excellently suited to quality control of the drug or herbal medicinal products containing this drug.

Three carnivorous plant species (Drosera spp.) in European Russia: peaceful coexistence?

In spite of the recent improvements in the understanding of carnivorous plants’ biology, some questions have remained unanswered. In this study, the segregation of food niches (i.e. specialization on different categories of prey) for three sympatric carnivorous temperate Drosera species with different shapes of trapping leaves is tested. Potentially available prey was also taken into account, by using artificial traps. Almost all the prey trapped by the three Drosera species and by passive traps belonged to four insect orders: Diptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Homoptera, as well as Araneae. Diptera specimens were the main prey for all the species. This study demonstrates that arthropods caught by the three temperate sympatric sundew species (D. rotundifolia, D. obovata and D. anglica), belong to the same orders. The proportions of prey from different orders, caught by different sundew species did not differ significantly. The result does not necessarily imply the absence of interspecific competition for prey: arthropods were identified only to order, and competition may have resulted in specialization on prey taxa of lower rank.

CALLUS AND CELL SUSPENSION CULTURE OF DROSERA BURMANNI VAHL FOR QUINONE PRODUCTION

Drosera burmanni Vahl, one of three Drosera species in Vietnam, has been successfully cultured in vitro. Our previous researchs have shown that extracts of Drosera burmanni Vahl contain bioactive compounds such as naphthoquinone, anthraquinone. To obtain cell biomass as well as increase secondary metabolites, callus and cell suspension culture of Drosera burmanni Vahl become extremely urgent. Therefore, in this study, we focused on building Drosera burmanni Vahl callus and suspension culture process to obtain quinone. Our results show that the most optimized medium for callus culture is Gamborg’s B5, saccharose 20g/l, casein 100 mg/l, PVP 1g/l. To induce callus culture, the best hormone’s concentration is 2,4-D 0,2 mg/l, NAA 0,2 mg/l. Growing callus and increasing cell biomass in suspension culture are the same culture type. The peak of growing phase is on 12th. HPLC analysis showed present of plumbagin, one of quinone bioactive compounds determined in Drosera species, on cultured cell suspension.

The natural behavior of Drosera: Sundews do not catch insects on purpose

The trapping behavior of carnivorous plants has attracted attention of naturalists for almost two centuries. With the most observations made in laboratories, the behavior of sundew in situ has not been studied enough. We observed Drosera leaf behavior in natural habitats with non-manipulative technique. Three leaf characteristics for two species (D. rotundifolia L. and D. anglica Huds.) from two regions (6 plants with 30 leaves) were continuously observed during 196 hours. Our observations show that changes of the leaf characteristics of two sundew species in nature are almost casual and likely only corrected by external factors such as relative air humidity and presence of fresh prey (“semi-accidental feeding”). We consider trapping leaves of the two studied Drosera species as transitional structures between active and passive fly-paper traps.

Drosera rotundifolia and Drosera tokaiensis suppress the activation of HMC-1 human mast cells

Ethnopharmacological relevance Several Northern Hemisphere Drosera species have been used in the therapy of respiratory tract infections as the traditional medicine Droserae Herba. Aim of the study To determine the anti-inflammatory effects of Drosera species and to investigate a substitute material for Droserae Herba, we examined the effect of extracts of Drosera rotundifolia, Drosera tokaiensis and Drosera spatulata on activated T cell membrane (aTc-m)-induced inflammatory gene expression in HMC-1 human mast cells. Materials and methods Drosera rotundifolia, Drosera spatulata and Drosera tokaiensis were collected in Japan. Herbs were extracted with 80% EtOH, and subsequently applied to OASIS HLB column. HMC-1 cells were treated with each Drosera column-adsorbed fraction for 15 min, and subsequently added to aTc-m and incubated for 16 h. Inflammatory gene and protein expressions were determined by DNA microarray, RT-PCR and Western blotting. Results Drosera rotundifolia and Drosera tokaiensis fractions, but not the Drosera spatulata fraction, suppressed inflammatory gene expression induced by aTc-m in HMC-1 cells. Conclusions Drosera rotundifolia and Drosera tokaiensis suppressed activation of HMC-1 cells induced by aTc-m. Since the Drosera tokaiensis fraction was more effective than the traditionally used Drosera rotundifolia, Drosera tokaiensis is a likely substitute as a source of Droserae Herba.

Successional changes on a former tank range in eastern Germany: Does increase of the native grass species Molinia caerulea cause decline of less competitive Drosera species?

Summary Invasion of natural ecosystems by weedy grasses is often associated with increasing levels of disturbance. However, there is substantial evidence that cessation of disturbance can also lead to plant invasions. This paper explores vegetation development on a former military training area in eastern Germany. Many military training areas have a high nature conservation value as they offer large un-fragmented areas and valuable open landscapes. In eastern Germany, 4.4% of the land is covered by military training facilities. Following German reunification in 1990 large tracts of land that had been used for military training purposes were converted to civil use. Cessation of military activity is leading to a decline of open habitats through natural succession. The study investigates whether succession is accompanied by a spread of dominant species, e.g. Purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea L. Moench) and whether this process results in a decline of pioneer species (e.g., Drosera species). As a potential management option we explored grazing by moose (Alces alces L.) and other wild animals. The current state of the vegetation and its development was investigated at landscape and species levels. The influence of animals was documented by determining the type of ground disturbance and the impact on the herbaceous vegetation. The trajectory of succession involves the increase of species with high competitive abilities, particularly Molinia caerulea, and a decline of less competitive Drosera species. The pattern of development of the vegetation suggests that the Drosera species will soon survive in only a few locations. Wild animals exerted a significant influence on the vegetation, with most disturbances being the result of trampling. Tracks left by animals can provide regeneration niches for the Drosera species. However to guarantee the maintenance of large open habitats other management practices such as sod cutting are required.

The Drosera montana A.Saint-Hilaire (Droseraceae) complex: A new combination, Drosera schwackei (Diels) F.Rivadavia, is proposed

The Drosera montana A.Saint-Hilaire complex is reviewed, discussed and three taxa are excluded from this group: Drosera hirtella A.Saint-Hilaire, D. parvifolia A.Saint-Hilaire, and D. roraimae (Klotzsch ex Diels) Maguire & Laudon. Morphological characteristics, distribution, and habitat preferences, are described for the rare Drosera montana A.Saint-Hilaire var. schwackei Diels. Based on the differences observed between this taxon and other Drosera species native to South America, it is here proposed that it should be elevated to specific status and the new combination D. schwackei (Diels) F.Rivadavia is made.